Vinyl Single of the Day is N.W.A. - "Panic Zone"

Released in 1987 by Macola Records and Ruthless Records, "Panic Zone" is an EP from the legendary Rap group, N.W.A. was the very first release from the legendary group. This EP basically introduced the world to Eazy E, Dr. Dre, & Ice Cube, although pretty much the whole crew is on the cover. The cover photo is also the same image as was used later on the first N.W.A. album, "N.W.A. & The Posse" which was basically a compilation of tracks from this EP, a few from the Fila Fresh Crew and a couple others marketed as a full on N.W.A album. The "Panic Zone" record features only 5 songs, "Panic Zone", "Dope Man (Radio Edit)", "8 Ball (Radio Edit), "Dope Man", & "8 Ball".

The record opens with "Panic Zone" which is not really a "normal" N.W.A. type song, and in truth was written by a Mexican rapper known as Krazy Dee, with it's original title being "Hispanic Panic". This title was changed to "Panic Zone" after Dr. Dre suggested that the "Hispanic Panic" title would potentially hurt sales. The next 2 tracks are the Radio Edits of  "Dope Man" and "8 Ball", followed by the regular versions. "Dope Man" is a classic track was remixed and included on "Straight Outta Compton". This original version is largely an Ice Cube track although Eazy E does appear for a verse toward the end. "Dope Man" is also notable because it was the first collaboration between Eazy E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella and Arabian Prince. "8 Ball" is another classic that would be remixed and used on "Straight Outta Compton" as well. It is essentially an Eazy E song as he delivers all the verses but does feature Dr. Dre's production. Really this record is not an "Album" but rather a Single, although its ironic in that it was a Single for "Panic Zone" the weakest song on here. The other 2 songs would become classics, while "Panic Zone is largely forgotten". However, regardless of how good this record is or whats on it, the most important thing about it is its historical significance, in that it was the very first release from N.W.A., a group that would have a profound impact, at the very least, on Rap music, if not Music in general or even parts of American culture.

Andy Sweitzer